Construction work begins at the new Binfield Community and Health Hub

Construction work to develop the new Binfield Community and Health Hub is now underway after being formally marked with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The development of the site, being undertaken by Osborne, will see a double height hall, multi-use meeting and activity space, GP consultation and examination rooms and minor procedures room being built in the heart of the Blue Mountain site in Binfield.

Mayor of the borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Ms. Ash Merry, joined Cllr John Harrison, Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection, and representatives from the council, Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group (CGG), Osborne and Binfield GP surgery for the ceremony.

Cllr Harrison said: “It’s fantastic to see work on this project now underway. When completed, this facility will provide many health, wellbeing and community services under one roof and will help bring the growing community of Binfield together.

“It’s exciting to be yet another step closer to this project coming to fruition, and for these facilities to finally become a reality for the local community. I’m excited to watch this new hub literally grow before our eyes over the coming months and look forward to seeing the building when it is completed later this year.”

Osborne Chairman, Andrew Osborne, said: “Celebrating the groundbreaking of the Binfield Community and Health Hub gives us all the opportunity to reflect on our collaborative relationship and our positive journey with Bracknell Forest Council.

“Through our early involvement in the project, we have added value through the design phase. This ‘net zero energy building’ has been designed with 300mm insulation to the external wall, a ventilation system that has the latest air to heat exchangers, and a Photovoltaic system on the roof. This will improve the building’s energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions and provide a sustainable environment for future generations.

“We are delighted to be supporting Bracknell Forest Council in delivering a sustainable, intelligently designed space that will improve the lives of the local community.”

Fiona Slevin-Brown, East Berkshire CCG’s Executive Managing Director for Bracknell Forest, said: “I am delighted that work is underway on this exciting new health centre. Once complete, patients will have access to a modern healthcare facility, integrating a range of primary and community services all in one building. This is an exciting step forward and I would like to thank our partners, Binfield Surgery and Bracknell Forest Council.”

Dr Koefman, Dr Platt and Dr Herhel, the GP Partners at Binfield surgery, said: “We are delighted the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new purpose-built site has taken place. We are looking forward to seeing the building develop over the up-coming months and will keep our patients updated regarding the site move, currently proposed for early 2023.”

Bracknell Forest Council, together with Frimley CCG, collaborated with Osborne to obtain planning permission in July 2021 for the new hub, which will provide two key uses – a community centre and a GP/health centre, with all visitors accessing services through a shared foyer. The work is due to complete in late 2022.